Liverpool are reportedly in talks with over a deal to bring Alexis Mac Allister to Anfield after the club missed out on Jude Bellingham.
Brighton's Mac Allister has risen to prominence this season with the Seagulls in the bid for a Champions League spot after a stellar campaign under Roberto De Zerbi.
He also starred on the international stage in December, playing a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup success in assisting Angel Di Maria's second goal for the Albiceleste in the final.
As a result he has drawn interest from many of Europe's biggest clubs, including the Reds, who appear to view him as an alternative option to Bellingham, who is seemingly set for a move to Real Madrid.
Reports suggest that discussions over a switch are 'advancing', as well as claiming that the player will '100 per cent' leave the Amex Stadium this summer, perhaps even before the transfer window opens.
'Liverpool have presented their project and also financial proposal to Alexis Mac Allister,' writes Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano.
'The club will insist in the next weeks; discussions advancing but agreement not done yet.
'Feeling remains Alexis will 100% leave Brighton and it will be early, May or June.'
Mac Allister has caught the eye with 10 goals and two assists from midfield for the Seagulls in all competitions.
And they are set to face stern competition from their most bitter rivals, with reports linking Erik ten Hag's Manchester United to the player in April.
Both sides are thought to be considering midfield rebuilds, with the Red Devils reportedly keen on bringing in greater creativity to their unit.
The 24-year-old is still under contract at the club until 2025, with Brighton retaining an option to extend that deal by a further year, which could lead to the Reds requiring a substantial fee to prise him away from the Amex Stadium.
Should Brighton demand such a fee it could pose a problem for Jurgen Klopp's side, who ruled themselves out of the race for England star Bellingham due to financial reasons.
Reports on Wednesday revealed that the 19-year-old was in advanced talks with Real Madrid, who look to have beaten the likes of Manchester City to the punch.
Although negotiations over a fee are thought to be in an early stage, an estimated £115million will be required to allow the player to depart Borussia Dortmund, and his former club Birmingham City are set for a 15 per cent cut of any fee.
Los Blancos' pursuit of the player is thought to have been lengthy, and future business this summer had been put on hold until a deal could be finalised for the midfielder.
The player was invited by Real legend and former manager Zinedine Zidane to watch the Champions League final in his box last year, while influential chief scout Juni Calafat met with the player and his family in Chelsea in March.